Consumer inflation rose sharply to 4.0% in April, up from 3.1% in March, with fuel prices driving the increase, according to Statistics South Africa.
This marks the highest inflation reading since August 2024, when the headline rate stood at 4.4%, while the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.1%.
Stats SA data shows fuel prices surged by 18.2% month-on-month — the steepest increase since the current CPI series began in 2008. Petrol prices rose by 15.2%, while diesel increased by 35.4%.
The inland price of 93-octane petrol climbed from R20.19 to R23.25 per litre, marking one of the largest fuel increases in nearly five decades. Diesel users were hit hardest, with prices rising from R21.28 to R28.80 per litre.
Transport costs also increased, with passenger transport rising by 3.1%, while airfares surged by 24.5% following another sharp increase in March.
Statistics SA chief director for price statistics Patrick Kelly said fuel remains the dominant driver of inflationary pressure.
“Fuel remains the key driver of price pressures in the current inflation cycle, particularly through transport and related services,” Kelly said.
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe said South Africa is not expected to face fuel shortages despite global oil volatility linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
“We do not anticipate fuel shortages, even amid current global tensions affecting oil prices,” Mantashe said.
However, he acknowledged that government engagement may be needed to better understand global price movements affecting local consumers.
The Public Servants Association has raised concerns about the knock-on impact on households.
“This anticipated movement in fuel prices will place even greater financial strain on citizens already battling the rising cost of living,” PSA spokesperson Claude Naicker said.
Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund points to a mixed outlook for June, with petrol prices expected to edge higher while diesel prices could ease, depending on global oil prices and exchange rate movements.
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